Alan Smart C1

Classic Dual Mono / Stereo Buss Compressor

The Alan Smart C1 Compressor is identical to the C2, but with original black front panel, and lacks the sidechain inputs and ''crush'' setting.Pretty much the definitive mix compressor, the Alan Smart C1 is based on the much-missed SSL bus compressor (Mr. Smart used to work for SSL...) Ridiculously wide bandwidth along with ridiculously quick attack times make the C1 the beautiful, singular device that it is.

The Alan Smart C1 Compressor has enormous popularity among studios in the US West Coast and the UK.

The C1 compressor houses two independent mono compressors, or in stereo mode, the left-hand controls operate both audio channels, with the right-hand controls not used, giving true Stereo operation. The Alan Smart C1 can be used as two independent monos for tracking or mixing as well as stereo when in link mode, making the Alan Smart C1 the perfect, versatile all round unit.

The C1 compressor (along with its brother the C2) when used across a mix buss is typically described as having a tight ‘in your face’ characteristic - which gives a huge amount of apparent gain, allowing tracks to stand out on the radio or on the dancefloor with a solid bottom end. Partly for this reason, the Alan Smart series of compressors have become industry standard as mix buss compressor, and no self respecting mix engineer would dare leave home without one.

The characteristic sound of the C1 arises mostly from the fast response at the onset of compression, which when delayed to occur around the mid range attack settings (after 0.3 to 3 milliseconds) results in a window through which transients can still pass. When used accross a mix, or with any dynamic programme, this has the effect of adding 'punch' while still controlling overall levels.

The fact that the Smart Research C1, and C2 compressors have a lot in common with SSL's legendary analog compression circuit is no accident. Alan Smart was an engineer with SSL for many years, having installed and serviced countless SSL consoles in studios worldwide. His experience with SSL consoles led to the development of the C1 and C2 compressors, which have become some of the most popular mix buss compressors on the market.

Whats the difference between the C1 and the C2 ????

The C1 is the original Smart compressor. It is basically a black faced version of the C2 minus the sidechain inputs and the CRUSH mode. The C1 still delivers the ability to run stereo or dual mono, and has that legendary sound that is a must have for the mix buss.Based upon the classic C1, the Alan Smart C2 offers the same punchy, in-your-face sound with several refinements, including fully balanced operation, side-chain input, and the curious "crunch" mode.